Schafer's natural beauty in the Prada collaboration campaign. Photo: Prada

On 15/9, behind-the-scenes photos of actress and model Hunter Schafer at the Emmy Awards captivated audiences. Photo: Instagram/ Rena Calhoun

Many accounts reposted her photos, garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Most viewers commented on Schafer's "ethereal beauty," praising her stunning and captivating appearance.

The actress wore a velvet gown by McQueen at the Emmy Awards on the evening of 14/9 (Los Angeles time). Video: Variety

Several fashion magazines, including Vogue, W Magazine, Marie Claire, and Harper's Bazaar, ranked Schafer among the best-dressed celebrities at the event, noting her classic Hollywood glamour.

Schafer is currently one of the most influential transgender models in the fashion industry. She also has a promising acting career, having made an impression with her role as the transgender student Jules in the series Euphoria.

The artist at a Gentle Monster event in Seoul, South Korea, in early September. Photo: Gentle Monster

Hunter Schafer was born in 1998 in New Jersey, USA. She came out as gay in seventh grade and began her transition at 14. On WUNC radio in 2016, Schafer's parents said they recognized their child's gender identity when they saw Hunter enjoying toys and having interests similar to those of girls from the age of two.

"From my first steps, I had this yearning to live and express myself femininely," she added on the program.

In a 2021 interview with Harper's Bazaar, Schafer said her life truly began in her late teens when she was finally able to live authentically. In 2016, she signed with Elite Model Management and moved to New York. Two years later, Schafer walked the runways for various brands and became a familiar face in fashion magazines.

Hunter Schafer on the cover of Vogue Italy. Photo: Vogue

In 6/2023, her photoshoot for Vogue received positive feedback. On her Instagram, photos reposted from the magazine garnered nearly one million likes and thousands of complimentary comments.

The artist at the 2024 Golden Globes. Photo: Instagram Hunter Schafer

The 26-year-old continually makes a statement with her red-carpet attire, attending major events like the Met Gala and the Oscars. She frequently changes her style, showcasing her creativity and sophistication.

According to Women, Schafer has loved fashion and art since childhood, even studying graphic design in high school. These interests have contributed to her current aesthetic.

Hunter Schafer in a clip from Euphoria season one, appearing from 0:53, acting alongside Zendaya. Video: HBO

In 2019, she ventured into acting, landing the role of Jules Vaughn despite having no prior film experience. According to Women, Schafer played a key role in shaping the character due to her lived experience. The second season further solidified Schafer's acting abilities.

"Acting came to me unexpectedly. It's entirely different from how I express myself. I needed to adapt and learn," she stated in Vanity Fair.

The actress in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023). Photo: Lionsgate

The success of Euphoria brought her widespread recognition, reaching one million Instagram followers a month after the show's premiere. In recent years, she has branched into film, making her mark in productions such as The Hunger Games prequel, Kinds of Kindness (2024), and the horror film Cuckoo (2024). She also directed a music video for the singer girl in red.

Hunter Schafer wearing Armani at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Photo: Giulia Parmigiani Photography

In a 2024 GQ interview, Hunter expressed her desire not to be labeled a "transgender actress" or limited to such roles. "I don't want to be pigeonholed because it ultimately diminishes my worth and what I aspire to. I've worked hard to get where I am today, overcoming the challenges of transitioning. Now, I just want to be a girl and keep moving forward," she added.

Hunter Schafer pictured with her parents in 2016. Photo: AP

Beyond her busy entertainment career, Schafer is also an LGBTQ+ rights activist. At 17, she wrote an article for Teen Vogue protesting the government's push for a bill banning transgender students from choosing their restrooms in North Carolina schools.

The actress's appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race in February. Photo: SanchezZalba

On TikTok in February, she expressed outrage over her passport gender being changed from female to male without her consent. This occurred after President Donald Trump issued an executive order recognizing only the two sexes assigned at birth.

Phuong Thao